From funky galleries to Smithsonian-affiliated collections, Daytona Beach is home to a vibrant arts and culture movement — it’s part of what makes the area’s fabric so completely distinct. Dive into the rich arts and culture scene with a trip to one of these upcoming exhibitions, art festivals or music performances.
WHEN: Open Sept. 21, 2024 through April 6, 2025
WHERE: Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
ADMISSION: Included with paid admission to the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
John James Audubon’s Birds of America was a monumental achievement of both art and ornithology. His collection of 435 prints and accompanying field notes changed the way people saw and understood bird life. A major portion of this production was Audubon’s six-month expedition to Florida in 1831-32. Audubon collected and painted 36 bird species and observed and wrote about 50 more during his time in Florida. Some of the most famous images of his collection such as the American Flamingo, Great White Heron, and Roseate Spoonbill resulted from the Florida trek, and many have strong local connections. Hyatt and Cici Brown have collected over 75 original Havell prints from Birds of America, which have a Florida connection. This exhibit and accompanying catalog will display these historic prints and tell the story of his Florida expedition, where he traveled, what he observed, and what he painted. The exhibit and book will also examine how Audubon’s work inspired the modern conservation movement and remains relevant today.
WHEN: November 2024 through April 2025
ADMISSION: Free
Sponsored by the Ormond Beach Arts District, “Art Imitates Life” will showcase 13 hyper-realistic bronze statues in and around historic Downtown Ormond Beach from November through April 2025.
All 13 sculptures are the work of world-renowned American artist, Seward Johnson (1930- 2020). Johnson’s sculptures have been displayed in public spaces around the world, including Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the Venice Film Festival, and are included in numerous private collections, museums, and public art collections. Most of the sculptures on display in Ormond Beach will be drawn from his “Celebrating the Familiar” series, which features people doing everyday things. Two are from his “Icons Revisited” series, including “Rosie the Riveter” and “The Kiss” and one, from his “Beyond the Frame” series, depicts the artist Claude Monet at work on a canvas.
The pieces will be located on both public and private property along the Granada Boulevard corridor from A1A to Lewis Street. Stroll along Granada Blvd. or venture into the city’s riverfront parks and you will find tennis players, families, fishermen, puppies, rabbits, a leger carrier on his rounds and more. Check out the map for more details on locations of the statues.
WHEN: Saturday, April 5 – Sunday, April 6
ADMISSION: Free
WHERE: ONE DAYTONA, 1 Daytona Blvd., Daytona Beach
This vibrant art festival is held at ONE DAYTONA, the shopping, dining and entertainment destination located across from the world-famous Daytona International Speedway.
The ONE DAYTONA Art Festival will feature over 150 juried and non-juried artists and crafters, live art exhibits, live music on Victory Circle stage, a kid’s zone with hands-on craft projects, artist talks at Gallery500, Volusia County schools student art walk and more.
WHEN: Saturday, April 12 through Sunday, April 13
ADMISSION: Free
WHERE: Downtown Daytona Beach along Beach Street and Riverfront Esplanade
The fourth annual Daytona Beach Arts Fest will deliver an art immersive experience in the heart of Daytona Beach. Guests will be able to enjoy a diverse selection of artist exhibitors and masterful craftworkers, captivating live art and street art exhibits all in the background of live music and tantalizing cuisine. In addition, there will be chalk art competition, mini murals, student art exhibit, kid’s activities, and more!
WHEN: Saturday, April 12 through Sunday, April 13
ADMISSION: $15 for adults, children 12 and under free
WHERE: Rockefeller Gardens and Fortunato Park adjacent to The Casements
The 14th annual festival takes place at Rockefeller Gardens and Fortunato Park along the Halifax River, adjacent to The Casements in Ormond Beach. Festival activities will include multiple music stages, a Highland Games, a Clan Village, and Celtic societies from throughout the region, a kid’s area and more.
WHEN: Jan. 5, Jan. 15, Jan. 31, Feb. 27, March 26
WHERE: Peabody Auditorium
The Daytona Beach Symphony Society opens their 73rd season in 2025 at Peabody Auditorium. Among the performances planned include the Jacksonville Symphony on Broadway, the Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra and Tosca.
WHEN: Recurring monthly on the first Saturday
ADMISSION: Free
The First Saturday Ormond Beach Art Walk celebrates art and culture, with a cool downtown vibe. Most of the artwork is handcrafted by local fine artists, but national and international artists are here as well.
Stroll the Boulevard every first Saturday to experience new creations, meet new creators, and treat yourself to a night of intellectual and aesthetic stimulation.
WHEN: Recurring monthly on the first Friday
ADMISSION: Free
Downtown Daytona Beach invites you to stroll along Beach Street every first Friday of each month to enjoy “ArtWalk”! Meet artists and other art lovers for an evening of stimulating art, fun, and refreshments offered by the following galleries and purveyors of culture:
Experience the area’s inspiring art scene for yourself — start planning your getaway today! Check out our Arts & Culture map, download our free official destination guide or sign up for our e-newsletter.
